Why Magnesium is Essential for Your Health

Magnesium is a vital mineral in our bodies, playing essential roles in numerous bodily functions. It is crucial for muscle building, muscle relaxation, bone strengthening, and enhancing protein and fat metabolism after physical activity.

It prevents muscle cramps by promoting the secretion of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to muscle relaxation.

Since it aids in processes related to energy production, magnesium is also involved in nerve conduction that facilitates muscle movement.

Magnesium is a mineral found in water, but as we've shifted to drinking filtered water, magnesium levels have significantly decreased, leading to a notable deficiency in the population.

Absorption of magnesium is also affected by medications or processed foods. Additionally, increased caffeine consumption in coffee and soft drinks depletes magnesium levels in the body.

Magnesium remains in food even after cooking, but it migrates from the vegetables to the cooking water. Therefore, it's important to also consume the liquids from the vegetables to obtain sufficient amounts of the mineral.

There are several signs that may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Headaches, for instance, particularly migraines, are associated with low magnesium levels.

Magnesium is necessary for regulating blood sugar, ensuring proper pancreatic function, and facilitating insulin secretion.

Fetal development requires large amounts of magnesium. A deficiency before birth can lead to muscle contractions or edema.

Magnesium is also essential for producing melatonin, the sleep hormone. It relaxes the muscles and promotes more restful, calming sleep. Therefore, magnesium can help those who have trouble sleeping or wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep.

Magnesium participates in cellular energy production. A deficiency can lead to fatigue.

Magnesium is linked to digestive tract mobility; a deficiency may cause slowed movement and difficulty in waste elimination.

Eye twitches, an unpleasant phenomenon caused by eyelid muscle spasms, are also related to a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is crucial for calcium absorption and maintaining bone density.

Magnesium is abundant in foods such as leafy greens, grains—especially in their husk—legumes, nuts, almonds, bananas, and cocoa.

For those suffering from a deficiency, it's recommended to take magnesium citrate at night before sleeping. The body experiences "absorption competition" among minerals, so avoid combining other minerals with magnesium to enhance absorption. Taking it at night also promotes better quality sleep.

Zohara Sharvit is a naturopathic doctor (N.D) and a renowned expert in iridology, with years of experience in treatment, consultation, and workshop facilitation. To book a free workshop, call 073-2221290